After spending one season with the Pittsburgh Steelers and having an enormous 2025 campaign, free agent Kenneth Gainwell is one of the “overlooked” players who could receive interest from multiple suitors. Bleacher Report ranks Gainwell as one of the several overlooked free agents that will be available, which isn’t a surprise. There are multiple running back free agents, including Breece Hall, Travis Etienne and Isiah Pacheco, that are expected to receive more attention. It doesn’t mean that Gainwell won’t get interest, but he might have to wait a little while before getting a chance to sign elsewhere.
“Overlooked” Free Agent Kenneth Gainwell Poised to Garner Interest – 3 Suitors Emerge
Gainwell is coming off a resurgent campaign, eclipsing 1,000 total yards and averaging a career-high 4.7 yards per carry. The running back was free agent Aaron Rodgers‘ favorite dump-off target in pressured moments, so it’s no wonder that he’s being overlooked. Originally selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, the running back served as an emergency receiver since the Steelers didn’t have enough adequate superstar weapons other than DK Metcalf. Gainwell spent the first four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, and now he could be looking to join a new team with a larger role.
Even though the Steelers did use him a lot in several offensive possessions, he might want to test the market. However, one source believes the Steelers will do “everything they can” to re-sign him. Given that Gainwell is cost-effective and is a capable downhill runner who could break out at any moment, the Steelers will need to act quickly before these three teams pursue him.
Potential Free Agent Fits
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have no reason why they shouldn’t re-sign running back Javonte Williams, who is coming off a resurgent 2025 campaign himself. However, even if they do sign him, the Cowboys could consider signing Gainwell on a bargain one-year deal to give Dak Prescott another effective pass-catcher. Prescott has enough receivers between George Pickens (if he returns) and CeeDee Lamb. Despite that, they’ve always lacked a true versatile WR3.
Gainwell could serve as a reliable backup for Williams and be a crucial piece to help the Cowboys move the chains. The Cowboys failed to get something out of Jaydon Blue and Miles Sanders this past season. With Sanders slated to leave this offseason, Gainwell is a much-needed upgrade, and he can be a solid duo for Williams, given both of their sizes.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Meanwhile, the Jaguars are embracing the new culture led by head coach Liam Coen, which means they’re unlikely to tag running back free agent Travis Etienne. While Jacksonville has Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. looking to get a bigger role, Gainwell is a well-prepared veteran who could assist Trevor Lawrence. The team is planning on limiting wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter on offense, so Gainwell might be another dump-off receiver as a running back.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos haven’t had the best luck finding the long-term, adequate running back, but they might have found their answer in RJ Harvey. With JK Dobbins expected to hit free agency despite believing the team will re-sign him, it’s better that Denver signs Gainwell. Dobbins is too bruised for even a backup role, and Gainwell is clearly the better answer to help Bo Nix in pressured moments.